Ear, discharge from

Also caused otorrhoea, an emission of fluid from the ear. Not all discharge is the same; it may be clear or coloured, watery or thick or foul smelling, and intermittent or continuous.

Causes

A discharge from the ear could be due to an outer ear infection. It can also follow perforation of the eardrum, which is often due to a middle ear infection. Seldomly, after a skull fracture, cerebrospinal fluid or blood can be discharged from the ear.

Diagnosis and treatment

A swab of the discharge would be taken and sent to a laboratory for analysis to diagnose the cause of any infection. X-rays of the bones of the skull can be taken if there has been a head injury or if a serious type of middle ear infection is suspected from the symptoms. Hearing tests may also be performed.

Treatment depends on the cause and generally includes antibiotic drugs.